If you are searching for a detailed step-by-step guide on how to reheat a beignet, then you are on the right page.
Beignets are one of the most popular breakfast pastries In New Orleans, loved by those with a sweet tooth and a desire for a strong chicory coffee and a powdered-sugar dusted breakfast!
This donut-like fried dough is served with powdered sugar on top and once you’ve taken your first bite, you won’t be able to get enough.
Beignets are delicious when they are freshly baked, but what if you have leftovers?
Do they still taste as good the next day?
Leftover beignets would naturally lose their airiness, so they won’t be as fluffy as before.
However, they still taste good after reheating them.
If you are searching for a detailed step-by-step guide on how to reheat a beignet, then you are on the right page.
We’ll talk about the four effective methods in reheating beignets, and we will also share some recipes that you can try to give this sugary treat a twist.
How to reheat a beignet
Just like any other pastry, beignets can be reheated.
Take note though, beignets that have been reheated may still taste delicious, but they become heavier and denser.
Also, reheating the pastry will make it a bit dry inside, so you need to add another round of powdered sugar to give it a bit of moisture.
The best way to serve them is straight from the microwave.
In this way, the beignets are warm and soft inside.
But if you do not have a microwave, there are other ways that you can reheat them.
You can use a microwave, skillet or a toaster oven.
How to reheat a beignet in a toaster oven
One of the best ways to reheat beignets is through a toaster oven.
This is especially true if the beignets are still a day old.
Read the process below to learn how to reheat a beignet in a toaster oven:
- Prepare the toaster oven and preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the leftover beignets on a wire rack or a baking sheet and spread them out. If the beignets are too dry, add a few drops of water and wrap them in foil.
- The foil will create steam in the toaster oven and will help soften the dough. Let it heat up for 5 minutes maximum.
- Remove the foil immediately after so the pastry won’t get too soggy.
How to reheat a beignet in a microwave?
Reheating beignets in the microwave is the fastest and most convenient method.
It also produces great results because the beignets become soft even if they are days-old.
Remember, you need to eat the reheated beignets as soon as they are out of the microwave because they will get hard once they’ve cooled off.
To know how to reheat a beignet in a microwave, check out the process below:
- Place the beignets in a microwave-safe plate. Remember, do not put too many in one plate, you need to spread it out or else the heat will be distributed unevenly.
- If the beignets are stale, you need to cover them with a damp paper towel. The towel will create enough steam to moisten the stale pastry.
- Do not wrap them too tightly in the damp paper towel because the bottom will become soggy.
- Microwave the pastry for up to 15 seconds or until they are warm enough for you.
How to reheat a beignet in an air fryer
Air fryers should be the last resort when it comes to reheating beignets.
This is because fryers dry out the pastry and affect its flavor.
Also, the outside of the beignet gets hot really fast, while the inside takes a couple more minutes to get warm.
If you use an air fryer, you need to constantly check them to prevent them from overheating.
To know how to reheat a beignet in an air fryer, check out the steps below:
- Prepare the air fryer and preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the beignets in a layer in the basket.
- You can line the fryer’s basket with parchment paper to keep the pastry from sticking while reheating them.
- Heat the beignets for 4 minutes maximum.
- As soon as they are ready, take them out and dust them with powdered sugar before eating them.
How to reheat a beignet in a skillet
When you reheat the beignets in a skillet, they will be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
You can even add butter to make them taste even better.
The only downside to this is that the process is a lot longer compared to reheating them using a microwave or a toaster oven.
To know how to reheat a beignet in a skillet, check out the steps below:
- Put the skilled in medium heat
- Grease the skillet with butter and wait for it to melt. You can also use cooking spray or oil if you don’t have butter.
- Place the beignets in the skillet and fry them for a minute on each side.
- Sprinkle up to 3 tablespoons of water into the skillet
- Do not sprinkle the water on the beignets as it will become soggy
- Cover the skillet and allow it to steam, this will help soften the dough
- Once it is heated, dust them with powdered sugar before eating.
How to store a beignet
As you know by now, freshly baked beignets are the best.
However, if you have some leftovers and would like to eat them for breakfast the next day, you can store them.
To store the beignets properly and keep its flavor intact, use an airtight container and store them on the counter for 2 to 3 days.
Do not put the beignets in an airtight container if it is still hot as it may go stale.
Can you freeze beignets?
The answer is yes, you can freeze beignets.
In fact, if you freeze a beignet, you can store them longer.
Frozen beignets last 1 to 2 months.
How to freeze beignets
Before freezing a beignet, make sure that they are not hot so they won’t go stale.
Remember to put them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to prevent ice from forming inside then keep them into your freezer for about a month or two.
How to thaw beignets
Once you’ve decided that you want another serving of those delicious beignets in your freezer, you need to thaw them before reheating.
All you need to do is to take the beignets out of the freezer and put them on your counter for at least 30 minutes.
If they are still cold, wait a bit longer until the beignets are at room temperature before reheating them.
What to do with leftover beignets
Do you still have loads of leftover beignets?
Are you looking for something new to make the pastry more exciting to eat?
Then you can follow these four delicious recipes that we’ve prepared for you.
If you still have a container filled with leftover beignets, why not make it into a sweet dessert with an alcoholic twist?
Beignets with whisky sauce can help redeem the texture of leftover beignets.
The creamy whisky sauce prevents the pasty from becoming too dry or gummy.
Instead of fruit cakes, you can prepare this unique dessert on Christmas eve.
Beignets are already sweet enough as it is, but if you are looking to upgrade the sweetness level, then you can turn the leftover beignets into a whole new dessert.
Just crush the leftover beignets and add chopped white chocolate bars into the pan.
Toss it in the oven and you got yourself a chocolatey, bread pudding-like beignet.
The recipe is perfect for special occasions like birthdays and holidays.
Two desserts in one?
With this beignet bread pudding recipe, it is possible.
Just tear the leftover beignets into pieces, mix it with a few other ingredients, and scatter them in a pan.
Bake it in an oven for an hour and you can now enjoy the sweet and sticky beignet bread pudding.
Even though it originated in France, New Orleans is considered as the home of this soft and chewy powdered pastry.
So it only makes sense that this beignet bread pudding recipe created by celebrity caterer Andrea Correale pays homage to the city.
Made with milk, coffee, and the traditional New Orleans-style beignet, this dessert is the best way to end a satisfying and hearty meal.
The bottom line
You can never go wrong with beignets.
This gooey, fluffy, sweet pastry can be eaten at breakfast and paired with your morning coffee, or you can have it as a snack.
Although it is recommended to have this pastry freshly-baked, you can still enjoy it after reheating it.
If you do it properly, you will still be able to taste its flavor and retain its texture.
What makes the beignets different from other French pastries is its flexibility.
You can add different types of syrup, top it with fruits and chocolates, or you can even create a whole new dessert with beignets as the main ingredient.
Whatever your preference, the outcome will always be exquisite.
Learn more about one of the most delicious breakfast treats (beignets) in New Orleans in this another FAQ guide.
How To Reheat Beignets In A Toaster Oven ⏲️
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Ingredients
- Beignets
- Wire rack baking sheet
- Water
- Aluminum foil
- Toaster oven
Instructions
- Preheat toaster oven to 350F.
- Place the leftover beignets on a wire rack or a baking sheet and spread them out.
- Add a few drops of water and wrap the beignets in foil.
- Let it heat up for 5 minutes maximum.
- Remove beignets from the foil and serve immediately.
